Sam Alfstad, founder of Alfstad& Contemporary, may not be in the gallery this week, but that doesn’t mean he’s on vacation. While the gallery has, since its inception, worked to bring national and international artists to Sarasota, this year sees Alfstad and his crew working the festival circuit in an effort to bring Sarasota artists and art to the world. Earlier this year, that meant taking some of Christophe Von Hohenberg’s photographs and prints to festivals in New York City, this week it means hitting the road, Miami-bound with prints, paintings and more from 10 of the gallery’s artists, for simultaneous exhibitions at the SCOPE Miami Beach 2017 and Aqua Art Miami 2017 art festivals.

“We always want to get Sarasota artists seen in Sarasota,” says Alfstad. “This is a way to get them more on the international and national scene.” And with yesterday’s opening, SCOPE visitors have already marveled at an installation from ribbon artist Anne Patterson and paintings and prints from Sarasota artist Alain Huin and Ringling Professor Michael Wyshock. Throughout the course of the festival, more than 55,000 visitors will join them, not including the 140 exhibitors from 25 countries across the globe.

Opening today, the exhibition at Aqua is a bit more expansive, featuring work from nine artists, both local and those who have visited and made work in the Alfstad& printshop. Hosted inside a repurposed old art deco hotel, each exhibitor at Aqua receives its own room in the hotel. Devoid of furniture, they can decorate and arrange the space as they wish. “It’s a much more funky, fun venue,” says Alfstad, favoring prints, probably his favorite medium. Alongside Wyshock and Huin, fellow local artists Dasha Reich, Mike Solomon and Jorge Blanco show with Alfstad& visitors like Bruna Stude and Zimoun. Alfstad& joins only 51 other international exhibitors in this more intimate, but "funky" and relaxed festival for young and emerging artists and collectors.

On the flipside, Alfstad himself is also on the lookout for artists that he can bring to Sarasota. Last year, he was impressed by the work of Heather Hutchison, and this February she’ll be showing at Alfstad&. Says Alfstad, “We’re committed to figuring out this arts scene.”

Editor’s Note: This is part 49 of an ongoing series documenting the flights of active-duty US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin on his journey to fly 52 planes in 52 weeks through the year 2017.

Climbing into the cockpit of a Piper Archer, Rankin isn’t expecting any surprises. A variant of the Piper PA-28 that he flew earlier this year with his friend Lindsay Locke, the Archer generally differs in minor ways—an extra five inches to the fuselage here, a few extra horsepower there—but what Rankin finds is a completely different flying experience. “Especially the way Chris [Reilly] has his configured,” he says.

A fellow Navy pilot, and a detail-oriented, technologically sophisticated one at that, Reilly’s Archer sets the standard for the integrated and overwired cockpit. Whereas as the PA-28, used primarily for flight instruction, presents as something “barebones” and lacking in the creature comforts, Reilly’s Archer is custom-designed for the pilot who wants as much information at his fingertips as possible. Even compared to some military craft, says Rankin, Reilly’s Archer is impressive. Military craft definitely have more sophisticated weapons systems, for sure, but less emphasis on comfort and extra bells and whistles.

Completely gutting the interior and rebuilding the cockpit from the ground up, Reilly’s looks like a full-on control center equipped with all the avionics and digital readouts—“glass,” in aviation parlance—that can fit. In addition to the traditional instruments, the Archer sports a Garmin 696—a combined GPS and large-scale digital map for easy navigation. Punch in airport A and airport B and then just keep the craft along the designated path. “That’s as simple as it gets,” says Rankin. But not content with just the 696, Reilly also installed an additional GPS and ADS-B transponder in the Garmin GTX 345, for a completely separate video readout showing all other air traffic in the area. Without the transponder and GPS, pilots have to rely on communication and guidance from air traffic controllers; with the new equipment, every pilot can be aware of how busy the skies around them really are. “It’s a great tool to have,” says Rankin. “It’s really going to cut down on that mid-air collision risk.” By 2020, the setup will be required in most, if not all, aircraft.

“[Reilly’s] cockpit is an interconnected system,” says Rankin. “There’s this wild network of info going back and forth.” And to top it all off, an iPad attached to the yoke and connected via Bluetooth to the rest of the instruments in his reach. So while the flight itself was pretty straightforward from a mechanical sense, the real lesson was being up-close-and-personal with Reilly’s heavily tech-oriented piloting style.

Given that, it may seem odd that Rankin flew the Archer for roughly five hours—far longer than any other aircraft in the project this year. But that’s because Rankin is up to his usual tricks, seeking out unusual planes—and he thinks he’s found a crown jewel. He’s mum on what it may be, but it’s coming.

For more about the flight in Rankin's own words and a video of the flight, follow the link below.

New this past summer to JPan is the roll of all rolls. The lobster roll not only incorporates fresh, delicate pieces of sweet and juicy lobster, but is also accompanied with snow crab and conch to really set it apart. The beautiful presentation is topped off with avocado and a delectable lychee honey, making this dish a roll to be reckoned with. This eye catching plate will also not leave you hungry; presented with ten pieces rather than the standard eight. Truly an experience, come down to both JPan locations to try the lobster roll for yourself - a work of art and nothing like you’ve tasted before!

Photo Credit: Wyatt Kostygan.

Jpan is a member of Nosh, the SRQ magazine content marketing program for local restaurants.

Sarasota-based JMX Brands has made Furniture Today’s 2017 Leading Furniture E-Tailers list. This is the third year in a row that JMX Brands, the largest online retailer of Amish furniture (under the name Dutch Crafters) has made the list. JMX Brands also recently opened an online store for eco-friendly home goods at www.ecofriendlydigs.com. Furniture Today’s list of the 30 top furniture e-tailers is ordered alphabetically and includes retailers that get at least 80 percent of company revenue from online sources. Though primarily a Web-based retailer, JMX Brands understands the importance of building relationships, hence a focus on customer service, including continuously improving website functionality, launching a new video platform and providing furniture specialists who answer detailed questions and help customers with specific requests.

“Calm Down Kits” to help elementary school students deal with stress and other difficult emotions in more positive ways. Civility training so workers at a local animal hospital can better assist grieving or financially distressed pet owners. “Friend benches” on a school playground where youngsters can go for emotional support from classmates or staff when they can’t effectively communicate their needs. Those are just three of the creative ideas to receive funding from Gulf Coast Community Foundation in its first round of Civility Squad Grants. The $500 mini grants, awarded through the foundation’s Because It Matters civility initiative, are designed to help organizations implement projects or activities that foster civility in their schools, clubs, workplaces, or neighborhoods. The initiative centers on 10 Keys to Civility, such as “Respect Others,” “Make a Difference,” and “Speak Kindly,” which serve as guiding principles for civil behavior. In all, Gulf Coast has approved nine Civility Squad grants totaling $4,500 so far. The foundation has earmarked a total of $25,000 for civility grants through February 2018. The following organizations received Civility Squad grants in November:Alta Vista Elementary School, Bay Road Animal Hospital, Englewood Elementary School, Laurel Nokomis School, Sarasota YMCA/Safe Children Coalition and St. Mary Academy. Applications may be submitted online anytime at the website below.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System welcomed two of Sarasota’s longstanding surgeons into its First Physician Group (FPG) network this week. Dr. John Nora and Dr. Russell Novak officially joined the health system’s network of primary and specialty physicians under the new practice name First Physicians Group General Surgery at Medical Arts. Board-certified general surgeons, Nora and Novak have been in private practice at Sarasota Surgical Associates for 28 years and 31 years, respectively. They specialize in a wide range of minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic and traditional surgical treatments for diseases and conditions of the abdomen, breast and soft tissues, including gastrointestinal surgery, breast surgery, hernia surgery and thyroid surgery. Both have held multiple leadership positions at Sarasota Memorial over the years. Novak has served on the Medical Executive Committee and as past Chief of Surgery, while Nora helped develop Sarasota Memorial’s successful bariatric surgery program with clinical outcomes that exceed national averages. In addition to scheduled procedures, Drs. Nora and Novak will help provide 24/7 emergency-call coverage for hospitalized patients, providing consults in the ER, performing emergency procedures that are needed and covering for general surgeons in the area.

[TODAY]THEATER:
A Christmas Story, The Musical , November 14 – December 10

This classic holiday tale centers on a mischievous, bespectacled boy, Ralphie, who dreams of getting a BB-gun for Christmas. In the weeks before the big holiday, Ralphie, his friends and his family get into all kinds of situations — including run-ins with a bully, a tongue stuck to a flagpole, a bar of soap in the mouth, a garish leg lamp, and a Chinese Christmas dinner.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice

[TODAY]THEATER:
The 1940's Radio Hour , December 7 – December 23

Just in time for the holiday season, comes this marvelously theatrical show! This lively and big band sounding musical delivers a delicious slice of ‘a live radio broadcast from NYC’ in December of 1942. Enjoy the spirit of that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

Along the exciting journey, audiences will visit American icon Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from his popular musical West Side Story, before being set ablaze by the powerful pyrotechnics of Barber’s Violin Concerto. Finally, listeners will be subdued by the emotional intensity of Stravinsky’s Firebird, the perfect close to an electrifying evening spearheaded by guest conductor Larry Rachleff and violin soloist Benjamin Beilman.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]MUSIC:
Pine View Jazz Band , December 8, 8pm

For all of your holiday favorites, check out the award-winning Pine View Jazz Band. The young musicians of Pine View School are known for their sophisticated performances and natural affinity for jazz classics. The featured vocalists will have you dreaming of snow as they perform some of the greatest music by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Mel Torme and more.

Calling all builders, architects, designers and landscape companies —the 14th Annual SRQ Home of the Year Competition is officially open! From serene water features to breathtaking bay views and green buildings, SRQ MEDIA is thrilled to produce this prestigious annual architecture and home design program, recognizing truly stunning spaces from Venice all the way to Anna Maria Island. Our panel of qualified judges hail from regions outside the geographic area of the HOTY competition and represent excellence in the areas of architecture and interior design. They will review entries based on innovation, functionality and overall design aesthetic to bestow SRQ’s Home of the Year Platinum, Gold and Silver awards. Local professionals are invited to submit their best work in home design by the Call for Entries deadline of Friday, December 8, 2017. Winners in each category will be featured in the coveted SRQ Home of the Year awards supplement in the March 2018 issue of SRQ Magazine.

The 32nd Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is a beloved local holiday tradition and fun for all ages. Whether you choose to view the show from Marina Jack Restaurant at Bayfront Park, City Island or Centennial Park, join the approximately 15,000 spectators for the most sparkling night of the year as boats decked in festive adornments glitter on Sarasota Bay. The Holiday Boat Parade begins at 6pm and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.

Artwork made of marine debris including Greta the Great White Shark and Natasha the Turtle will arrive to Mote Marine this winter. This exhibit will bring awareness to the 4.4 pounds on average of trash genereated by each American daily. These larger-than-life sculptures are entirely made from plastic and other debris gathered from the Oregon Coast.

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School students will perform the World-Famous Nutcracker at the Venice Performing Arts Center for the very first time on December 9. This holiday classic is conceived and choreographed by the school’s artistic directors Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez, master teacher Delia Ballart Arcia, and resident choreographer Tania Vergara.

Venice Performing Arts Center , 1 Indian Ave
Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]MUSIC:
Jazz Bebop Sax Master , December 10, 7pm

World renowned jazz bebop sax master, Greg Abate joins Michael Royal on piano and Mark Neuenschwander on bass for a performance at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center. Greg Abate is a jazz saxophonist, flutist, and composer who tours 225 days out of the year playing and recording International Jazz.

Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]MUSIC:
Holiday Popera , December 10, 3pm

Hometown soprano superstar Jenny Kim-Godfrey heralds in some holiday cheer, performing holiday standards like “Sleigh Ride,” “My Favorite Things,” “O Holy Night,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and more. Audiences will also enjoy Kim-Godfreys renditions of opera arias by Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi and Mozart. Ring in the yuletide spirit and do your ears a favor.

Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota

[SOON]GRAB BAG:
The Play That changed my life , December 11, 5pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat is inviting a community programs featuring prize-winning playwright-in-residence Doug Wright. He is a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner recently represented on Broadway. There will be a reading from "The Play That Saved My Life," followed by a conversation with the audience.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]THEATER:
Heisenberg , December 13 – March 4, 2pm, 3pm, 7pm or 8pm depending on day

Initiating a comic and electric dance of love, young Georgie falls for the much older Alex, planting a surreptitious kiss on his neck as the two collide in the crowded London train station. Strangers now connected through an impulsive act of affection, the two engage in a back and forth of romantic stakes, where everything is uncertain.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue Sarasota

[SOON]GALLERY:
Floating Cubes , December 14 – January 19

Recently showing with the Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration exhibition uniting The Ringling Museum with the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Museum of Art, artist Akiko Kotani comes to Art Center Sarasota for another site-specific installation. Working in weaved plastic, Kotani explores minimalism and simplicity as she pushes the boundaries of her medium.

Men, Whiskey, Watches & Wheels features whiskey tasting from select distillers, an assortment of fine luxury watches, exotic cars, a live and silent auction, casino-style games, and networking with the area’s business community. Proceeds will support Child Protection Center’s mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. This year's poker tournament will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at One Eyed Jacks Poker Room at Sarasota Kennel Club at 6pm. Ticket to the main event includes an open bar, whiskey tasting and food buffet.

Come out and experience two virtuoso folk artists laying it down individually and in duo performance. Dan Landrum is the nation’s best known dulcimer artist, having been tapped for three world tours with keyboardist Yanni. Aaron O’Rourke began performing on mountain dulcimer at the age of 16. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over one million lights will illuminate the garden and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa and his elves (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games, plus live entertainment with SoulRCoaster each evening. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 14th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota

The Perlman Music Program’s (PMP) intensive 17-day Winter Residency offers unparalleled musical training for international students, ages 12 to 20+, who play the violin, viola, cello and bass. With a faculty led by Toby and Itzhak Perlman and comprising some of the most gifted musical talents of our time, the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency offers an artistic and personal experience that changes students' lives forever. The winter residency’s free public events include orchestra and chorus rehearsals, master classes, and works-in-progress student recitals. Question and answer sessions with the Perlmans, PMP students and faculty follow many of these events that take place in a heated, outdoor performance tent on the grounds of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House.

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL

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